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Window Treatments vs. Curtains

I don't know exactly when it happened, but somewhere along the way those things hanging on the windows that I grew up calling "curtains" (or "drapes" in the fancy houses) have become known as "window treatments". I am in awe of the conversations amongst friends (mostly at church) that revolve around decorating and the fabric/style of their window treatments. Now, maybe this is something like allergies were when I was a kid. My mom used to tell me that only rich kids had allergies---the rest of us had a cold!! Perhaps that's why I still call the coverings on my own windows "curtains".

But, nevertheless, I spent a good part of the weekend making new window coverings for Callie and Jordan's apartment. Always looking for a good deal, I set out on a mission to make stylish curtains on a budget. First, for their living room, I had this pillow from their couch (a hand-me-down gift from friends):Since they essentially have 6 windows to cover in that room---2 double windows and 2 single windows---I weighed the options of buying fabric vs. ready-made. I found these at Wal-Mart for $9.96 a pair and decided to given them a try. First I took one set and split them down the middle, hemming under the ends of the attached valance. Next, I shopped for fringeand braided trim. (the embellishments actually cost more than the curtains)And after sewing both to the bottom of the valance and to the tiebacks, this is what I ended up with.Now, on to the bedroom. A couple of weeks ago, I sewed up some pretty brown valances for their bedroom---to go with their brown quilt. However, they have since learned that the window A/C units in their apartment are not especially efficient and are therefore looking for window coverings that offer some bit of insulation--not just mere decoration!

Voila! I took these curtains (also from Wal-Mart for $15/pair)and am adding decorative stitching to the sides.Hopefully, I can get over to Ruston in the next couple of weeks to help them hang them on the windows!